Baroda vs Sikkim Highlights Video - Baroda Smashes Records in Dominant Win Against Sikkim in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy

Baroda delivered a scintillating performance in their Group B match of the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy 2024, defeating Sikkim by a record 263 runs at the Emerald High School Ground, Indore. The match saw Baroda set a historic milestone, posting their highest-ever T20 score of 349/5 in 20 overs. This emphatic win was powered by an extraordinary display of batting fireworks, with Bhanu Pania leading the charge with an unbeaten 134 off 51 balls.

3⃣4⃣9⃣ runs
3⃣7⃣ sixes
1⃣8⃣ fours

Re-live ????️ Baroda's record-breaking innings of 349/5 against Sikkim that rewrote history books in Indore ????????#SMAT | @IDFCFIRSTBank pic.twitter.com/61o6qQnQWP

— BCCI Domestic (@BCCIdomestic) December 5, 2024

Bhanu Pania: The Architect of Destruction

Bhanu Pania was the standout performer of the match, playing one of the most destructive innings in T20 cricket. His unbeaten 134 came at a breathtaking strike rate of 262.75 and included 5 fours and 15 towering sixes. Pania’s ability to clear the boundary with ease left the opposition bowlers clueless, and his innings will undoubtedly go down as one of the finest in the history of the tournament.

Pania's knock was complemented by stellar contributions from his teammates. Shashwat Rawat’s blistering 43 off 16 balls set the tone early, while Abhimanyu Singh’s rapid 53 off 17 balls and Shivalik Sharma’s blazing 55 off 17 balls ensured the momentum never dipped. Vishnu Solanki also joined the party with a quickfire 50 off 16 balls.

Baroda Posts a Mammoth Total

Winning the toss and opting to bat, Baroda unleashed a batting masterclass. Openers Shashwat Rawat and Abhimanyu Singh stitched a 92-run partnership in just 5.1 overs. Despite losing wickets at regular intervals, the run rate remained stratospheric, with every batter attacking from the outset.

Baroda's innings reached its peak during the death overs, thanks to Pania and Solanki’s destructive hitting. The pair added 88 runs in just 26 balls, propelling Baroda to an unprecedented total of 349/5.

Sikkim’s Struggles in Reply

Chasing a daunting target, Sikkim never got off the blocks. Baroda’s bowlers, led by skipper Krunal Pandya and Ninad Rathva, dominated proceedings from the start. Sikkim’s top order crumbled under pressure, with Pranesh Chettri and Nilesh Lamichaney dismissed early.

Robin Limboo and Ankur Malik offered some resistance, scoring 20 and 18 runs, respectively, but their efforts were in vain against Baroda’s disciplined bowling attack. Sikkim limped to 86/7 in their allotted 20 overs, falling short by a staggering 263 runs.

Baroda’s Bowlers Shine

Baroda’s bowling attack was as clinical as their batting. Skipper Krunal Pandya set the tone with figures of 4-2-8-1, choking Sikkim’s scoring opportunities. Ninad Rathva was equally effective, taking 2 wickets for just 14 runs in his 4 overs.

Mahesh Pithiya added to the misery of the Sikkim batters, picking up 2 wickets for 17 runs. Atit Sheth and Abhimanyu Singh also chipped in with a wicket apiece, ensuring that Sikkim’s chase never gained any momentum.

Baroda vs Sikkim, Group B

Emerald High School Ground, Indore - 5 December 2024

Baroda: 349/5 (20 overs; Bhanu Pania 134*, Abhimanyu Singh 53, Shivalik Sharma 55; Roshan Kumar 2-81, Palzor Tamang 2-45)

Sikkim: 86/7 (20 overs; Robin Limboo 20, Ankur Malik 18*; Ninad Rathva 2-14, Mahesh Pithiya 2-17)

Result: Baroda won by 263 runs.

Player of the Match: Bhanu Pania

For his breathtaking century, Bhanu Pania was adjudged the Player of the Match. His knock not only set up Baroda’s massive win but also etched his name in the record books.

A Record-Breaking Performance

Baroda’s total of 349/5 is now their highest-ever score in T20 cricket, and the margin of victory—263 runs—is among the largest in the history of the format. This match will be remembered as a landmark in Baroda’s cricketing journey.

With this win, Baroda has sent a strong message to their rivals in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy. Their combination of fearless batting and disciplined bowling makes them one of the teams to beat in the tournament.

As the tournament progresses, Baroda will look to build on this momentum, while Sikkim will aim to regroup and come back stronger in their upcoming matches. The Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy 2024 has witnessed one of its most extraordinary performances, setting the stage for more thrilling contests ahead.